Are vaccines covered by insurance?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded healthcare coverage to include preventive services. These services are provided without a deductible, copay, or coinsurance.

So, are vaccines covered by health insurance?

All Affordable Care Act-qualified health insurance plans cover certain vaccines Which vaccines are covered will vary slightly depending on age (under or over the age of 18).

Below is a list of the vaccinations that are covered by health insurance as free preventive services. Of course, it is imperative that you talk with a physician before scheduling any vaccines.

Which vaccines are covered by insurance?

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are diseases that affect the liver. In addition to vaccines, personal hygiene and proper sanitary practices can help prevent the spread of these diseases.

Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

If you have ever had the chickenpox, you are at risk of contracting herpes zoster, also known as shingles. Shingles is a skin rash that is common in adults over 50. Stress, injury, and certain medications can increase the chances of getting shingles.

Influenza (Flu Shot)

The influenza vaccine is simply a seasonal flu shot. It is recommended that everyone over the age of six months get the flu vaccine annually. Flu shots are extremely common and are available at your doctor’s office and even many pharmacies or drug stores.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella

Known as MMR, the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is a 3-in-1 vaccine. If you did not receive your MMR vaccine as an infant and have not had any of the three diseases, your doctor may recommend a vaccination. The vaccine has a great track record of preventing these three life-threatening diseases.

Meningococcal

Meningococcal disease can refer to any disease caused by a bacteria known as Neisseria meningitides. There are two types of vaccines for meningococcal diseases available in the US. It is recommended that all 11-12 year-olds receive the vaccine, with a booster at 16.

Pneumococcal

There are two different types of pneumococcal vaccines. The one you need depends on your age, previous vaccine doses and certain risk conditions. Pneumococcal vaccines can help reduce infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, pneumonia, and ear infections (particularly in young children).

Tetanus (Lockjaw), Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

There are two vaccines that protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis: Tdap and DTaP. The vaccine you need will depend on your age. It is recommended that children receive 5 doses of the DTaP vaccine at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years.

Varicella (Chickenpox)

If you’ve ever had chickenpox, you’re aware of the symptoms. It is a highly contagious disease that causes itchy, often painful blisters and sometimes fever. The varicella vaccine has been shown be 90% effective at prevention. The vaccine is administered in two doses.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human Pappillomavirus is common and can cause cancer, including cervical and throat cancers. The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent the virus.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus can be very harmful to babies and young children, causing illness that leads to dangerous loss of body fluids. These vaccines are recommended in the first 6 months of life, so they are only covered as free preventive care for children. There are two rotavirus vaccine options.

Polio

Polio is a serious disease that can lead to lifelong paralysis. The polio vaccine is administered over 4 doses. These vaccines are recommended in the first 6 years of life, so they are only covered as free preventive care for children.

Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)

Hib vaccines protect against a bacteria known as Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). While children under 5 are the most at risk, Hib can cause lifelong disability or be deadly. The vaccine is administered over 3 to 4 doses. These vaccines are recommended in the first 15 months of life, so they are only covered as free preventive care for children.

Do you have health insurance to cover your vaccines?

While no vaccine is 100% effective, the use of vaccines drastically reduces the number of infections from all of the diseases listed above. If you are currently uninsured and are looking for health insurance, call HealthMarkets at (800) 827-9990. A licensed insurance agent can help you understand what’s available, select the plan that meets your needs and budget, and help you apply for coverage.